Sound processors and implantable cochlear stimulation systems including the same

ABSTRACT

Sound processors and systems including sound processors are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/972,349, filed Dec. 17, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/568,851, filed Sep. 29, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No.8,437,860, which claims benefit of U.S. Prov. App. Ser. No. 61/102,726,filed Oct. 3, 2008.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to sound processors such as,for example, the sound processors in implantable cochlear stimulation(or “ICS”) systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

ICS systems are used to help the profoundly deaf perceive a sensation ofsound by directly exciting the intact auditory nerve with controlledimpulses of electrical current. Ambient sound pressure waves are pickedup by an externally worn microphone and converted to electrical signals.The electrical signals, in turn, are processed by a sound processor,converted to a pulse sequence having varying pulse widths and/oramplitudes, and transmitted to an implanted receiver circuit of the ICSsystem. The implanted receiver circuit is connected to an implantableelectrode array that has been inserted into the cochlea of the innerear, and electrical stimulation current is applied to varying electrodecombinations to create a perception of sound. A representative ICSsystem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,022, which is entitled“Cochlear Stimulation System Employing Behind-The-Ear Sound processorWith Remote Control” and incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

As alluded to above, some ICS systems include an implantable device, asound processor with sound processing circuitry, and a microphone thatis in communication with the sound processor. The implantable devicecommunicates with the sound processor and, to that end, some ICS systemsinclude a headpiece that is in communication with both the soundprocessor and the implantable device. In one type of ICS system, thesound processor is worn behind the ear (or “BTE”) sound processor, whileother types of ICS systems have a body worn sound processor. The bodyworn sound processor, which is larger and heavier than a BTE soundprocessor, is typically worn on the user's belt or carried in the user'spocket. One example of a conventional body worn sound processor is theAdvanced Bionics Platinum Series body worn sound processor.

Sound processors can include various control structures (e.g. a volumeknob and/or a program selector switch) that are typically usedinfrequently and can be the source of leaks should the sound processorbe exposed to liquid. One possible solution is to provide a soundprocessor with a main portion, which includes the sound processorcircuitry, and a removable control device that can be mechanically andelectrically connected (or “docked”) to the main portion as necessary.The electrical connector on the main portion may be configured tocontinuously source power so that power will be provided to the controlportion when the control portion is docked. The main portion may besealed to prevent leaks, and the control portion may be removed in thoseinstances where the user anticipates that the sound processor will beexposed to liquid.

SUMMARY

A sound processor in accordance with at least one of the presentinventions includes a dockable device including at least one dockabledevice electrical contact, and a main portion including at least onemain portion electrical contact and a control apparatus configured tosupply power to the at least one main portion electrical contact whenthe dockable device is docked to the main portion and to not supplypower to the at least one main portion electrical contact when thedockable device is not docked to the main portion. The presentinventions also include cochlear stimulation systems with such a soundprocessor.

A sound processor in accordance with at least one of the presentinventions includes a dockable device including at least one dockabledevice electrical contact, a main portion at least one main portionelectrical contact and means for connecting the at least one mainportion electrical contact to a power source when the dockable device isdocked to the main portion and disconnecting the at least one mainportion electrical contact from the power source when the dockabledevice is not docked to the main portion. The present inventions alsoinclude cochlear stimulation systems with such a sound processor.

A method in accordance with at least one of the present inventionsincludes the steps of connecting a main portion electrical connector toa source of electrical power in response to a dockable device beingdocked to the main portion and disconnecting the main portion electricalconnector from the source of electrical power in response to thedockable device being undocked from the main portion.

Such sound processors and methods are advantageous for a variety ofreasons. For example, the present inventors have determined thatcontinuously supplying power to the electrical contacts can increase thelikelihood of contact corrosion in those instances where the contactsmay be exposed to corrosive substances (e.g., water, salts and certainchemicals). The power supplies electromotive force that drivescorrosion. Given that there is no reason to supply power to theelectrical contacts when the dockable device in not docked to the mainportion and that the electrical contacts are more likely to be exposedto corrosive substances when the dockable device has been removed,selectively supplying power to the contacts reduces the likelihood ofcorrosion without degrading the overall functionality of the soundprocessor.

The above described and many other features of the present inventionswill become apparent as the inventions become better understood byreference to the following detailed description when considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed descriptions of the exemplary embodiments will be made withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an ICS system in accordance withone embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sound processor in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sound processor in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a sound processor inaccordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a sound processor main portion in accordancewith one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a sound processor control portion in accordancewith one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sound processor in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 8 is a section view of a portion of a sound processor in accordancewith one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a portion of a sound processorin accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan of a sound processor main portion and various dockabledevices that can be docked thereto in accordance with one embodiment ofa present invention.

FIG. 10A is a section view of a portion of a sound processor inaccordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 10B is a flow chart in accordance with one embodiment of a presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded side view of a sound processor in accordance withone embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a power supply receptacle cover inaccordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a seal in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 14 is a section view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a section view of a portion of a sound processor main portionin accordance with one embodiment of a present invention with the powersupply receptacle cover removed.

FIG. 16 is a section view of a portion of a sound processor main portionin accordance with one embodiment of a present invention with the powersupply receptacle cover in place.

FIG. 17 is a section view of a seal in accordance with one embodiment ofa present invention.

FIG. 18 is a section view of a seal in accordance with one embodiment ofa present invention.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a sound processor in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention with the power supply receptacle coverremoved.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a power supply receptacle cover inaccordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 21 is a section view of a portion of a sound processor inaccordance with one embodiment of a present invention with the powersupply receptacle cover in place.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is an end view of a sound processor in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 24 is a section view of a portion of the sound processorillustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a side view of a sound processor in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 26 is a section view of a portion of the sound processorillustrated in FIG. 25 after slight movement from the locationillustrated in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a power supply receptacle cover inaccordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 28 is a section view of a portion of a sound processor main portionwith the power supply receptacle cover illustrated in FIG. 27 in place.

FIG. 29 is a section view of a portion of a sound processor main portionwith the power supply receptacle cover in place.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following is a detailed description of the best presently knownmodes of carrying out the inventions. This description is not to betaken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose ofillustrating the general principles of the inventions.

The present inventions have application in a wide variety of systemsthat provide sound (i.e. either sound or a perception of sound) to thehearing impaired as well as others who require such systems on asituational basis. One example of such a system is an ICS system wherean external body worn sound processor communicates with a cochlearimplant and, accordingly, the present inventions are discussed in thecontext of such ICS systems. The present inventions are not, however,limited to ICS systems and may be used in combination with other systemsfor the hearing impaired that currently exist, or are yet to bedeveloped. Nor are the present inventions limited to ICS systems withbody worn sound processors. The present inventions are also applicableto, for example, ICS systems with BTE sound processors.

One example of a sound processor is the body worn sound processorgenerally represented by reference numeral 100 in FIGS. 1-3. Theexemplary sound processor 100, which may be combined with a headpiece102 and a cochlear implant 104 to form an ICS system 10, includes ahousing 106 in which and/or on which various components are supported.Such components may include, but are not limited to, sound processorcircuitry 108 (e.g., a microprocessor and memory) that converts sound topulse sequences and performs the other control functions, a headpieceport 110, an auxiliary device port 112 for an auxiliary device such as amobile phone or a music player, a control panel 114, a Euro Plugreceptacle 116 (for a Euro Plug such as that associated with the PhonakMLxi FM receiver), and a power supply receptacle 118 with electricalcontacts 120 and 122 for a removable battery or other removable powersupply 124 (e.g. rechargeable and disposable batteries or otherelectrochemical cells). As discussed below, a rechargeable battery maybe permanently carried within the sound processor in other embodiments.

The headpiece port 110 and auxiliary device port 112 may be connected tothe sound processor circuitry 108 by way of, for example, a signalsplitter/combiner (not shown) such as that found in the Platinum SignalProcessor body worn unit from Advanced Bionics Corporation. In theillustrated embodiment, the control panel 114 includes a volume knob 126and a program switch 128 (FIGS. 2-3). A power button 130 and a bayonetrelease button 132 are also carried on the housing 106. The bayonetrelease button 132 actuates a bayonet mechanism to release the controlportion 100C or other dockable device from the main portion 100M (whichare described below).

The headpiece 102 in the exemplary ICS system 10 (FIG. 1) includes acable 134 which may be connected to the headpiece port 110, a microphone136, an antenna 138 and a positioning magnet 140. The exemplary cochlearimplant 104 includes an antenna 142, an internal processor 144, acochlear lead 146 with an electrode array, and a positioning magnet (ormagnetic material) 148. The transmitter 138 and receiver 142 communicateby way of electromagnetic induction, radio frequencies, or any otherwireless communication technology. The positioning magnet 140 andpositioning magnet (or magnetic material) 148 position the headpieceantenna 138 over the cochlear implant antenna 142. During use, themicrophone 136 picks up sound from the environment and converts it intoelectrical impulses, and the sound processor 100 filters and manipulatesthe electrical impulses and sends the processed electrical signalsthrough the cable 134 to the transmitter 138. Electrical impulsesreceived from an auxiliary device are processed in essentially the sameway. The receiver 142 receives signals from the transmitter 138 andsends the signals to the cochlear implant internal processor 144, whichmodifies the signals and passes them through the cochlear lead 146 tothe electrode array. The electrode array may be wound through thecochlea and provides direct electrical stimulation to the auditorynerves inside the cochlea. This provides the user with sensory inputthat is a representation of external sound waves which were sensed bythe microphone 136.

It should be noted that, in other implementations, communication betweenthe sound processor and a headpiece and/or auxiliary device may beaccomplished through wireless communication techniques. It should alsobe noted that, in other implementations, the sound processor may beconfigured to directly communicate with the cochlear implant (i.e.without a headpiece and associated cable).

The exemplary sound processor 100 may be carried by the user in avariety of ways. By way of example, but not limitation, the soundprocessor 100 may be carried in the user's pocket, secured to a beltwith a belt clip that is either part of housing 106 or a separatecarrier, or placed in a harness that is configured to be worn by a smallchild.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3, the sound processor 100includes a sound processor main portion (or “main portion”) 100M and asound processor control portion (or “control portion”) 100C that may bedocked to the main portion. The main portion 100M includes the soundprocessor circuitry 108, headpiece port 110, power supply receptacle118, and power button 130 as well as a main portion housing 150 forsupporting and/or housing these components. A power supply receptaclecover (“PSR cover”) 154 may be detachably connected to the main portionhousing 150 in those instances where replaceable batteries are employed.In those instances where a permanent rechargeable battery is employed,the PSR cover 154 may be omitted and the main portion housing configuredto permanently enclose the battery. The control portion 100C includesthe auxiliary device port 112, control panel 114, Euro Plug receptacle116 and bayonet release button 132 and well as the control portionhousing 152 for supporting and/or housing these components. In otherwords, the main portion 100M includes those elements of the soundprocessor 100 that are required for the ICS system 10 to function (e.g.,sound processor circuitry), while the control portion 100C includesvarious elements that are only required from time to time (e.g., thevolume knob 126) or are merely useful options (e.g., the auxiliarydevice port 112).

With respect to docking, the sound processor 100 is configured such thatthe control portion 100C (and the functional elements associatedtherewith) may be mechanically and electrically separated from the mainportion 100M (and the functional elements associated therewith) in themanner illustrated in FIG. 4. To that end, and referring also to FIGS. 5and 6, the exemplary main portion housing 150 may include mechanicalconnectors 156 and 158 that are configured to mate with correspondingconnectors 160 and 162 on the control portion housing 152. The mainportion 100M and control portion 100C also include electrical connectors164 and 166 with respective pluralities of electrical contacts 168 and170. The electrical contacts 168 and 170 may be in the form of pins,pads or any other suitable device. An alignment locater feature, such asa post 172 and an opening 174 that receives the post and keysorientation, is also provided. Turning to FIG. 7, the sound processor100 may also include a cover 176, with the same mechanical connectors(not shown) as the control portion housing 152, that may be used toprotect the electrical connector 164 when the control portion is not inuse.

A wide variety of electrical connector arrangements may be employed. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the sound processor main portion 100Msupplies power to the control portion 100C by way of at least some ofthe contacts 168 and 170 on the electrical connectors 164 and 166 (FIGS.4-6). To that end, and referring again to FIG. 1, the sound processormain portion 100M also includes an interface controller 178 thatselectively supplies power (e.g., DC power) to one or more of thecontacts 168. In particular, the interface controller 178 may beconfigured to supply power to one or more of the contacts 168 inresponse to the sound processor control portion 100C (or other powerconsuming device) being docked to the main portion 100M, and to notsupply power to the contacts 168 when there is not a control portion (orother power consuming device) docked to the main portion. One suchcontact is contact 168 a, which is the power supply contact that powersthe control portion 100C. Other contacts 168 may also be selectivelyconnected to, and disconnected from, a voltage bias or other powersource in response to docking.

The exemplary sound processor main portion 100M may be provided with asensor that senses when the control portion 100C (or other dockablepower consuming device) is docked to the main portion. The sensorsupplies a signal to the interface controller 178 (FIG. 1) whichindicative of the presence (or absence) of the control portion 100C (orother dockable power consuming device) and the interface controllersupplies power to the appropriate electrical contacts 168 in response tothe signal being indicative of the presence of a power consuming devicesuch as the control portion 100C.

A wide variety of sensors may be employed. Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and6, in the illustrated implementation, the main portion 100M includes amagnetic sensor 180, such as a switch that changes state (i.e., opens orcloses) when a magnet is in close proximity thereto or a device thatprovides digital or analog output based on the proximity of a magnetthereto, and the control portion 100C includes a magnet 182. Themagnetic sensor 180 and magnet 182 may be positioned such that themagnetic field of the magnet at the magnetic sensor will only be strongenough to change the state of the sensor (or otherwise be sensed) whenthe control portion 100C is secured to the main portion 100M by way ofthe mechanical connectors 156-162 (FIGS. 5 and 6). Additionally, andalthough the present inventions are not so limited, the magnetic sensor180 and magnet 182 are located inwardly of the outer surface of thehousings 150 and 152, i.e., inward of or at least partially embedded ina wall of the associated housing. In other embodiments, the magneticsensor 180 and/or magnet 182 may be carried associated with the outersurface of the housing 150 and/or 152.

Suitable magnetic sensors include, but are not limited to,magnetoresistive sensors, Hall effect sensors, and reed switches. By wayof example, but not limitation, suitable magnetoresistive switchesinclude those in the AS series of anisotropic-magneto-resistance (AMR)sensors from Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (e.g., the AS-M15SA-R).Other suitable magnetic sensors include giant magnetoresistive (GMR)sensors from NVE Corporation.

There are a number of advantages associated with only supplying power tothe electrical contacts 168 when the control portion 100C (or otherpower consuming device) is docked to the main portion 100M. For example,supplying power to the contacts 168 increases the likelihood that theywill corrode in the presence of salts, water and some chemicals such as(collectively “corrosive substances”) because the power supplieselectromotive force that drives corrosion. In view of the fact that (1)there is no reason to supply power to the electrical contacts 168 whenthe main portion 100M is not connected to the control portion 100C (orother dockable power consuming device) and (2) the electrical contacts168 are more likely to be exposed to corrosive substances when thecontrol portion has been removed, selectively supplying power to thecontacts in the manner described above reduces the likelihood ofcorrosion without degrading the functionality of the sound processor100.

As alluded to above, a wide variety of sensors and sensor arrangementsmay be employed. By way of example, but not limitation, a mechanicalswitch may be employed. One example of a sound processor with such aswitch is generally represented by reference numeral 100-1 in FIG. 8.Sound processor 100-1 is substantially similar to sound processor 100and similar elements are represented by similar reference numerals.Here, however, the main portion 100M-1 includes a mechanical switch180-1 that closes when the control portion 100C-1 moves in the directionof arrow B and reaches the docked state (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Theexemplary switch 180-1 includes a fixed portion 184, a movable portion186 and a resilient fluid-tight seal 188 that extends through anaperture 190 in the main portion housing 150-1. Here, a portion of thesensor (i.e., seal 188) protrudes beyond the outer surface of the mainportion housing 150-1. In other arrangements, the control portionhousing 152 may include a protrusion that depresses a switch on thesound processor main portion that is flush with the outer surface of thehousing or is recessed into the housing.

It should also be noted that, in those instances where a switch-typesensor is employed, such as the above-described magnetic switch andmechanical switch sensors, the switch may be in-line between a powersource and the electrical contacts 168. One example of a sound processorwith such a switch is generally represented by reference numeral 100-2in FIG. 9. Sound processor 100-2 is substantially similar to soundprocessor 100 and similar elements are represented by similar referencenumerals. For example, the main portion 100M-2 includes a magneticswitch 180-2 that is closed when the control portion 100C-2 (and magnet182) is in the illustrated docked state. Here, however, the switch 180-2is in-line between the power source 179 (e.g., an internal voltageregulator, or an unregulated power supply such as the power source 124directly or a power supply that is derived from the power source 124)that supplies power to the appropriate electrical contacts 168 of theconnector 164. The electrical contacts are, therefore, connected to thepower source when the switch 180-2 is closed and disconnected from thepower source when the switch is open.

In other implementations, and regardless of the type of sensorsemployed, sound processors may be configured such that a number ofdifferent devices can be docked to the main portion. For example, morethan one sensor may be provided on the sound processor main portion sothat the sound processor main portion can distinguish between theabove-described control portion 100C and other devices that may bedocked to the main portion.

One example of a sound processor that employs various dockable devicesin addition to a dockable control portion is generally represented byreference numeral 100-3 in FIG. 10. Sound processor 100-3 issubstantially similar to sound processor 100 and similar elements arerepresented by similar reference numerals. Here, however, the mainportion 100M-3 includes a second sensor 181 that is connected to theinterface controller 178 (FIG. 1), and the sound processor 100-3 may beconfigured to be operatively combined with two alternate (or“auxiliary”) dockable devices 100C-3 and 100C-3′, in addition to thecontrol portion 100C, that may be docked to the main portion. One, bothor none of the alternate dockable devices 100C-3 and 100C-3′ may bepower consuming devices. For example, the devices 100C-3 and 100C-3′ maybe any two of a radio receiver, WiFi receiver, Bluetooth® receiver, IEEE802.11 receiver, assistive listening device, other wireless devices orother suitable devices that may be operatively connected to the soundprocessor circuitry 108 or other aspect of the main portion 100M-3. Thealternate dockable devices may all have the same mechanical andelectrical connection mechanisms as the control portion 100C and may beconnected to the main portion 100M in the same way. For example, thealternate dockable devices may include mechanical connectors 160 and 162and an electrical connector 166 with a plurality of electrical contacts170 (FIG. 6). The dockable devices 100C-3 and 100C-3′ may also includeone or more sensed objects (e.g., magnets) so that the dockable devicescan be distinguished from one another and from the control portion 100Cin those instances where the sensors rely on a sensed object.

The sensors on the main portion 100M-3 may be the same type of sensor(e.g., two magnetic sensors) or may be different types of sensors (e.g.one magnetic and one mechanical), and may be located near opposite endsof the main portion housing 150 (as shown). The sensors may be locatedadjacent to one another, or may be located in any other suitablelocations. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, thesensors 180 and 181 are magnetic sensors, alternate device 100C-3 alsoincludes a magnet 182 and a magnet 183, while alternate device 100C-3′only includes the magnet 183.

The use of two sensors and two sensed objects allows a sound processormain portion to distinguish between four different circumstances. Theoperation of the sound processor may be adjusted based upon theidentified circumstance. In particular, and in the exemplary context ofthe sound processor 100-3 illustrated in FIG. 10, the sensing of amagnet at sensor 180 and the absence of a magnet at sensor 181 isindicative of the docking of control portion 100C, the sensing ofmagnets at both sensors 180 and 181 is indicative of the docking ofauxiliary device 100C-3, the sensing of a magnet at sensor 181 and theabsence of a magnet at sensor 180 is indicative of the docking ofcontrol portion 100C-3′, and the absence of magnets at both sensors 180and 181 is indicative of nothing being docked. Should the docked device100C, 100C-3, or 100C-3′ be a device that requires power, power may besupplied by way of the appropriate contacts 168, while no power will besupplied to the contacts 168 when nothing is docked and the contacts 168are either exposed or covered by the cover 176.

The two sensors and two sensed objects arrangement may also be employedin the exemplary context of mechanical switch type sensors. One exampleof such a sound processor is generally represented by reference numeral100-4 in FIG. 10A. Sound processor 100-4 is substantially similar tosound processor 100-3 and similar elements are represented by similarreference numerals. Here, however, the sound processor main portion100M-4 includes a pair of mechanical switches 180-1 and 181-1 thatextend though housing 150-4. The control portion 100C-4 includes ahousing 152-4 with a single indentation 153 that will be aligned withthe switch 181-1 when the control portion is docked. As a result, whenthe control portion 100C-4 is docked to the main portion 100M-4, theswitch 180-1 will be depressed by the control portion housing 152-4 andclosed (or opened, depending on the configuration) and the switch 181-1will not. Other dockable devices (not shown) may be provided with noindentation so that the dockable device housing will depress bothswitched, or with a single indentation that is aligned with switch 180-1so that only switch 181-1 will be depressed during docking. In stillother implementations, the switches may be flush with the main portionhousing surface or recessed, and the dockable devices may includevarious protrusion arrangements.

The methods of controlling power to the electrical connectors describedabove are graphically summarized in FIG. 10B. Briefly, a determinationis made as to whether or not a dockable device is docked to the mainportion (Step S01). If the device is docked, power is supplied to themain portion electrical connector (Step S02). If not, no power issupplied (Step S03). Step S03 includes disconnecting the main portionelectrical connector from power when a dockable device is undocked (or“removed”).

Turning to FIG. 11, the power supply receptacle 118 in the exemplaryembodiment is defined by various portions of the main portion housing150. In particular, the main portion housing 150 has a pair of end walls192 and 194 and a pair of side walls 196 and 198 (FIG. 21) that togetherdefine the volume, or at least a portion of the volume, in which abattery or other power supply is held. The electrical contacts 120 and122 are carried on the end walls 192 and 194 and, in the exemplaryembodiment, contact 120 is a resilient contact that is depressed as thebattery or other power supply is positioned between the contacts. Theresilient contact 120 presses against the battery or other power supplyto hold it in place. The main portion housing 150 also has a connector256, which is used to hold the PSR cover 154 in place as is discussedbelow with reference to FIGS. 19-26.

The exemplary sound processor 100 may be configured for use in or aroundwater and, accordingly, may be configured so as to insure that the powersupply receptacle 118 is waterproof. More specifically, a seal 200 maycarried on the main portion housing 150 in the manner illustrated inFIG. 11. Although the present inventions are not limited to anyparticular seal, two exemplary seals are described below. Other sealsthat may be employed include, but are not limited to, seals with solidcross-sectionS such as solid o-ring seals.

The exemplary seal 200 is a resilient band that extends around theentire perimeter of the main portion housing 150 and contacts the entireperimeter of the inner surface of the PSR cover 154 with a relativelyconstant force that is sufficient to prevent ingress of liquid. Althoughthe seal 200 is removable and replaceable, it is held in the illustratedlocation during use. It should also be noted that the seal 200 iscompressed radially when the PSR cover 154 is moved from thedetached/open state (FIG. 11) where the power supply receptacle isaccessible to the attached/covered state (FIGS. 2-3) where the powersupply receptacle is not accessible. Put another way, the seal 200 iscompressed in a direction that is perpendicular or at leastsubstantially perpendicular to the direction that the PSR cover 154moves as it slides onto the main portion housing 150 and over the seal.

In at least some implementations, the configuration of the PSR cover 154is such that it facilitates the controlled radial compression of theseal 200. To that end, and referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the PSR cover154 in the exemplary implementation includes side walls 202 and 204, endwalls 206 and 208, a bottom wall 210 and an open end 212 opposite thebottom wall. The intersections of the side and end walls 202-208, and tosome extent the side and end walls themselves, are curved. The coverwalls in other implementations may define a rectangular shape with 90degree corners. The exemplary PSR cover 154 also includes an innersurface 214, with a tapered transition portion 216 and a seal portion218, that extends completely around the perimeter of the cover. Thecircumference of the inner surface 214 is greatest at the open end 212,then decreases through the transition portion 216 such that the slope isabout 1.0 to about 1.7, and then is substantially constant in the sealportion 218. The transition portion 216 and seal portion 218 cooperatewith the seal 200 in the manner described below with reference to FIG.16.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the exemplary seal 200 includes abase member 220, which defines the inner surface 222 of the seal, and aplurality of protrusions 224-228 that extend outwardly from the basemember and have longitudinal ends 224 a-228 a. The seal 200 is formedfrom resilient material and, as is illustrated in FIG. 13, defines aclosed geometric overall shape (e.g. circular or the illustrated oval).The seal 200 is slightly smaller than the portion of the main portionhousing 150 on which is it is to be supported. As a result, the seal 200will be pre-stressed when placed on the housing to prevent ingress ofliquid between the seal inner surface 222 and the housing. The exemplaryseal 200 also includes material-free regions 230 and 232 that arerespectively located between protrusions 224 and 226 and protrusions 226and 228. The material free regions 230 and 232 provide open spaces (or“air gaps”) into which portion of the seal deflects during the slide-onradial compression that occurs when the PSR cover 154 is secured to themain portion housing 150. Although the protrusions 224-228 are generallyplanar structures that extend radially outwardly and are perpendicularto the base member inner surface 222 in the illustrated embodiment,other configurations may be employed.

Turning to FIGS. 15 and 16, the exemplary main portion housing 150 has achannel 234 into which the seal 200 may be inserted. The channel 234 hasan inner surface 236 that abuts the seal inner surface 204. The channel234 also has a pair of inwardly projecting surfaces 238 and 240. Theseal main portion 220 has corresponding surfaces 242 and 244 (FIG. 14).The seal 200 is stretched and deflected into the channel 234 duringassembly and held in the channel 234 by the inwardly projecting surfaces238 and 240. So arranged, the protrusions 224-228 will extend radiallyoutwardly from the main portion 220 and one or more of the protrusionswill be located within a region 246 that will ultimately be occupied bya portion of the PSR cover 154. As the PSR cover 154 in the exemplaryimplementation moves through the region 246, the inner surfacetransition portion 216 will sequentially engage and deflect theprotrusions 228 and 226. When the PSR cover 154 reaches attached/coveredstate, which is illustrated in FIG. 16, the protrusions 226 and 228 willbe deflected in the manner shown such that they engage the inner surfaceseal portion 218 at contact points 248 and 250 and there are open spacesOS between the protrusions and the main portion 220. Each contact point248 and 250, which are the points at which radial force is applied tothe seal 200, extends around the perimeter of the PSR cover 154 withenough force to prevent ingress of fluid.

Although the protrusions 224-228 may be identical in someimplementations, the protrusion 226 in the exemplary seal 200 isconfigured so as to have different structural characteristics than theprotrusions 224 and 228. The differences in structural characteristicsare differences that result in differences in sealing characteristicsgenerally, and the creation of more sealing force at protrusion 226 inparticular. Referring to FIG. 17, in the exemplary seal 200, the lengthL of the protrusion 226 is greater than the length of protrusion 228,while the thicknesses T of protrusions 226 and 208 are same. Given thefact that the distance between the seal base member 220 and the sealportion 218 of the PSR cover inner surface 214 is essentially the sameat each protrusion, the protrusion 226 will undergo a greater degree ofdeflection and radial compression than the protrusion 228 because it islonger. As such, as despite the fact that the protrusions are the samethickness and formed from the same materials, the protrusion 226 willform a tighter seal than the protrusion 228 and will act as the primaryportion of the seal. Locating the primary portion of the sealsufficiently away from the open end 212 is advantageous for insuringthat the seal makes uniform radial contact with the PSR cover innersurface 214. The protrusion 228 functions as the secondary portion ofthe seal to prevent ingress of liquid should liquid pass the seal formedby protrusion 226. Such liquid will be at a lower pressure than liquidat the seal formed by protrusion 226.

It should be noted here that, given the respective dimensions of theprotrusion 224 and the inner surface transition portion 216, theprotrusion 224 does not create a seal or at least any substantial seal.The protrusion 224 may, therefore, be omitted in some embodiments. Theprotrusion 224, which is identical to protrusion 228, is included in theexemplary seal 200 for a number of other reasons. Most notably, theinclusion of the protrusion 224 makes the seal 200 symmetric about theprotrusion 226 and, accordingly, it is reversible. If the seal 200 ismounted “upside down” on the housing 106, there will be no change infunction and, in some instances, the life of the seal may be extended ifit is removed and reversed after some period of use. The beam strengthof the seal 200, as defined by the material thickness in the radialdirection, is symmetric in the axial dimension. The additional beamstrength associated with the protrusion 224 also improves the sealbetween the inner surface 222 and the inner surface 236 of the housingchannel 234 created by the pre-stressing of the seal.

There are a variety of other ways to create protrusions with differingsealing characteristics. By way of example, but not limitation,differences in the respective thicknesses of the protrusions and/ormaterials used to form the protrusions may be employed alone or incombination with differences in other structural characteristics (e.g.length) to create protrusions having the desired differences in sealingcharacteristics.

Another exemplary seal, which is generally represented by referencenumeral 200′ in FIG. 18, and which is otherwise identical to seal 200,includes only a single protrusion 228′, a single material free region232, and one or more grooves, e.g. grooves 252 and 254, that are formedin the base member 220. The single protrusion 228′ forms a seal in themanner described above in the context of protrusion 226 (FIGS. 15-16)and, in the illustrated embodiment, the single protrusion is the samelength as the protrusion 226. In embodiments that include the seal 200′,the inner surface of the associated PSR cover may include a taperedtransition portion (e.g. transition portion 216 in FIG. 16), or as isillustrated in FIG. 29, the tapered transition portion may be omitted.

The grooves 252 and 254 are relatively shallow (e.g. about 0.004 inch),extend around the perimeter of the inner surface 222, and definerelatively small (as compared to the entire surface 222) upper and lowercontact surfaces 256 and 258 at the axial ends of the base member 220.The separate seals between the inner surface 222 and the inner surface236 of the housing channel 234 formed at the spaced contact surfaces 256and 258 are, in some instances, more readily controllable than a singleseal formed from an inner surface without grooves. Although theexemplary grooves 256 and 258 are rectangular in shape, grooves of othershapes may be employed. It should also be noted that grooves, such asgrooves 256 and 258, may be added to the inner surfaces of each of theother seal embodiments described above and below if so desired.

With respect to materials, suitable resilient materials for theexemplary seals disclosed herein include but are not limited tosilicone. The dimensions of the seals will depend on the desiredcharacteristics and the dimensions of the main portion housing and PSRcover, and the present seals are not limited to any particulardimensions unless such dimension are set forth in the claims below.Referring to FIG. 13, the unstretched major and minor dimensions(measured perpendicular to the Axis A) of the exemplary seal 186 areabout 53.00 mm to 57.00 mm and about 14.00 mm to 16.00 mm. Turning toFIG. 17, the thickness of the base member 220, i.e. the distance betweeninner surface 222 and outer surface 260, is about 0.90 mm to 1.00 mm,the height of the base member is about 2.80 mm to 3.80 mm, theprotrusions 224-228 are about 0.30 mm to 0.50 mm thick, the protrusions224 and 228 are about 0.80 mm to 1.00 mm long, and the length ofprotrusion 226 is about 1.0 mm to 1.20 mm.

The PSR cover and seal arrangements described above in the context ofthe illustrated embodiments are such that the waterproof rating at thePSR cover will be IPX7, i.e. there will be no ingress of visible waterinto the power supply receptacle 118 when the exemplary sound processor100 is immersed in water at a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.

The exemplary sound processor 100 may also include a connector apparatusthat secures the PSR cover 154 to the main portion housing 150. Oneexample of such a connector apparatus is illustrated in FIGS. 19-22.Additionally, or alternatively, the sound processor 100 may beconfigured so as to insure that the PSR cover 154 must be gripped in aparticular way to facilitate removal, as discussed in greater detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 23-26.

As illustrated for example in FIGS. 19-22, the exemplary connectorapparatus 256 (FIG. 22) includes protrusions 258 and 260, which arecarried by the PSR cover walls 202 and 204, and are configured to matewith indentations 262 and 264 in the side walls 196 and 198 of mainportion housing 150. Each of the protrusions 258 and 260 includes twocam surfaces 266 and 268 (FIG. 22), and each of the side walls 196 and198 includes edges 270 (FIGS. 21-22). The resilience of the PSR cover154 allows the side walls 202 and 204 to deflect as the cover moves fromthe detached/open state (FIGS. 19-20) to the attached/covered state(FIGS. 21-22) and from the attached/covered state to the detached/openstate. More specifically, as the PSR cover 154 moves from thedetached/open state toward the main portion housing 150, the camsurfaces 268 on the cover protrusions 258 and 260 will engage the edges270 of housing walls 196 and 198. As the PSR cover 154 continues to movein this direction, the cover walls 202 and 204 will deflect radiallyoutwardly, as permitted by the resilience of the PSR cover 154, whilethe protrusions 258 and 260 pass the edges 270. The PSR cover walls 202and 204 will remain deflected radially outwardly until the protrusions258 and 260 are aligned with the indentations 262 and 264. At thispoint, the resilience of the PSR cover 154 will cause the walls 202 and204 to move radially inwardly such that the protrusions 258 and 260 arelocated within the indentations 262 and 264, in their radially retractedpositions, thereby locking the cover in place. Conversely, when the PSRcover 154 pulled in the opposite direction, the cam surfaces 266 on theprotrusions 258 and 260 will engage the edges 272 of the side walls 196and 198. The cover walls 202 and 204 will deflect radially outwardly, totheir radially extended positions, and the protrusions 258 and 260 willmove out of the indentations 262 and 264 as the PSR cover 154 continuesto be pulled away from the main portion housings 150.

The protrusions 258 and 260 and indentations 262 and 264 in theillustrated embodiment are also elongate and located at thelongitudinally central region of the housing side walls 196 and 198 andPSR cover side walls 202 and 204. The longitudinally central region ofthe PSR cover side walls 202 and 204 is the region of maximum radialextension.

Suitable resilient materials for the PSR cover 154 include, but are notlimited to, a polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)resin. Such materials, in combination with a wall thickness of about0.050 inch and the other dimension of the cover described herein willallow the PSR cover 154 to resiliently deflect in the manner describedabove.

The main portion 150 and control portion 152 of the exemplary housing106 may be formed from materials including, but not limited to, PCs,ABSs, PC/ABS blends, nylon and various combinations thereof. Onespecific example is Lexan® Resin HP1R, from SABIC Innovative PlasticsCompany. Another specific example is Noryl® PPO, a modifiedpolyphenylene oxide. In one exemplary implementation, the main portion150 may include a main structure formed from Lexan® Resin HP1R and adecorative overmold formed from a platable grade of PC/ABS with a chromeplating on the PC/ABS. In other implementations, the housing mainportion 150 and control portion 152 may be formed from the samematerials as the PSR cover 154, but will be stiffer due to the geometry.

It should be emphasized here that the connector apparatus 256 is merelyone example of an apparatus that may be carried on the cover side walls202 and/or 204 and used to secure the PSR cover 154 to the main portionhousing 150. By way of example, but not limitation, an alternative PSRcover and main portion housing arrangement may be configured such thatthe locations of the above-described protrusions, indentations, camsurfaces and edges are reversed. Another alternative is to simplyinclude a protrusion and indentation, along with the associated camsurfaces and edges, on one of the cover side walls 202 and 204. Aconnector apparatus similar to connector apparatus 256 may also beassociated with the portion of the housing above (in the illustratedorientation) the seal and with the open end of the PSR cover, i.e.located on the other side of the seal. The protrusions and indentationsmay also have curved surfaces instead of the linear surfaces.

The overall configuration of the housing 106 may, in someimplementations, be such that the PSR cover 154 is a child resistantcover. In particular, the dimensions of the housing 106 and the locationof the connector apparatus (e.g. the protrusions 258 and 260 and theindentations 262 and 264) make it exceedingly difficult for a youngchild (e.g. infants and toddlers up to about 4 years of age) to removethe PSR cover 154.

Referring to FIGS. 23-26, and although the present inventions are notlimited to such a configuration, the length L of the housing 106 in theillustrated embodiment is substantially greater than, e.g. at leastabout two times and in some instances at least about three times, thewidth W of the housing. The length L of the exemplary housing 106 isalso relatively large. The “length” is the major dimension perpendicularto the axis A which, in the illustrated embodiment, is alsoperpendicular to direction of cover movement (note arrows B in FIG. 23).As used herein, “relatively large” means at least 2 inches, which is alength that a young child would find difficult to grip with sufficientforce to remove the PSR cover 154. Exemplary values of the length Lrange from about 2 inches to about 4 inches, depending on the age of thechild, and the illustrated embodiment is 2.3 inches long. The width W ofthe exemplary housing 106 is relatively small. The “width” is the minordimension perpendicular to the axis A which, in the illustratedembodiment, is also to the direction of cover movement (note arrows E inFIG. 24). As used herein, “relatively small” means no more than 2 inches(e.g. when the length is 4 inches). Exemplary values of the width Wrange from about 0.25 inch to about 2 inches, and the illustratedembodiment is about 0.7 inches wide. The lengths of the main portionhousing side walls 196 and 198 and the PSR cover side walls 202 and 204closely correspond to, or are the same as, the length L of the housing106, while the lengths of the main portion housing end walls 192 and 194and the PSR cover end walls 206 and 208 closely correspond to, or arethe same as, the width W of the housing 106. As noted above, the wallthickness of the PSR cover 154, in combination with the resiliency ofthe cover materials, facilitates the resilient radial deflection of theside walls 202 and 204.

Given the configuration described in the preceding paragraph, its wouldbe extremely difficult, as well as counterintuitive, for a young childto grip the PSR cover at the end walls 192 and 194. The distance betweenthe end walls 192 and 194 is too great to fit within a young child'shand. Instead, when attempting to pull the PSR cover 154 from the mainportion housing 150, a young child will grip the PSR cover 154 at theside walls 202 and 204. The distance between side walls 202 and 204 isconsiderably smaller and, accordingly, they are easier to grip. Agripping force in the direction of arrows C will be applied to the sidewalls 202 and 204 when applying removal force in the direction of arrowsB (FIG. 23). Applying gripping force in the direction of arrows C will,however, prevent the protrusions 258 and 260, which are carried by thePSR cover side walls 202 and 204 (FIG. 21), from moving out of theindentations 262 and 264. The gripping force prevents the PSR cover sidewalls 202 and 204 from moving radially outwardly. As the young childpulls harder in the direction of arrows B, he/she will also apply moreforce in the direction of arrows C to maintain a grip on the cover 154,thereby preventing the protrusions 258 and 260 from coming out of theindentations 262 and 264 despite the increase in the pulling force thatwould otherwise deflect the side walls 202 and 204 radially outwardly.

When an adult who is aware of the present configuration desires toremove the PSR cover 154 from the main portion housing 150, he/she willgrip the cover at the end walls 206 and 208 and apply a gripping forcein the direction of arrow D (FIG. 25) and removal force in the directionof arrows B (FIG. 23). The cam surfaces 266 on the protrusions 258 and260 will engage the edges 272 of the side walls 196 and 198 as the cover154 moves in the direction of arrows B. Because there is no grippingforce preventing the cover walls 202 and 204 from deflecting radiallyoutwardly, the protrusions 258 and 260 will move out of the indentations262 and 264 as the PSR cover 154 in the direction of arrows B, therebyunlocking the cover and permitting removal.

PSR covers may also be provided with structures that facilitate movementof the PSR cover to and from the attached/covered state (FIGS. 16 and21). More specifically, the robust seal provided by the seal 200 (or200′) may trap air within the power supply receptacle 118 as the PSRcover 154 approaches the attached/covered state during placement of thePSR cover over the power supply receptacle. The pressure of the air (iftrapped) will then increase as the PSR cover 154 continues its movementto the attached/covered state, thereby creating a force that opposes theforce being applied by the user. Similarly, when the user pulls the PSRcover 154 from the attached/covered state at the outset of the removalprocess, a suction force that is created by the trapped air will opposeremoval of the PSR cover until the PSR cover has moved a distancesufficient to break the seal.

One example of a PSR cover that is configured to vent air withouteffecting the seal provided by seal 200, and which may be incorporatedinto any of the sound processors described herein, is generallyrepresented by reference numeral 154 a in FIGS. 27 and 28. PSR cover 154a is essentially identical to PSR cover 154 and similar elements arerepresented by similar reference numerals. The PSR cover 154 a alsoincludes one or more vents. The vents may be of any suitable number,form or location. There are four sets of two vents 274 in theillustrated embodiment, with two sets on each side wall 202 and 204. Thesets of vents 274 may be located at the same locations on the side walls202 and 204, as they are in the exemplary embodiment, or may be atdifferent locations.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vents 274 are located in the taperedtransition portion 216 and, accordingly, do not effect the seal formedbetween the cover inner surface seal portion 218 and the seal protrusion226 (FIG. 28) at contact point 248. However, during placement of the PSRcover 154 a onto the housing main portion 150, the vents 274 permit airpassage past the seal protrusion 226 and prevent the aforementionedpressure increase within the power supply receptacle 118. Similarly,after the PSR cover 154 a has been moved a small distance from theattached/covered state during cover removal, the vents 274 will bealigned with the seal protrusion 226 so that air can be drawn into thepower supply receptacle 118, thereby preventing the creation of suctionforce.

It should also be noted that the vents 274 are located near bothlongitudinal ends of each of the cover side walls 202 and 204 in theillustrated embodiment. Thus, should the PSR cover 154 a be tiltedrelative to housing main portion 150 when the being placed on the mainportion, i.e. should one of the end walls 206 and 208 be closer to themain portion than the other, venting will occur at the trailing vents274 as the PSR cover straightens out prior to reaching theattached/covered state. Similarly, venting will occur if the user pullsfrom one end of the PSR cover 154 a during removal. Venting will occurat all vents 274 during placement and removal when the PSR cover 154 ais not tilted relative to the housing main portion 150.

The exemplary cover 154 b illustrated in FIG. 29 is essentiallyidentical to PSR cover 154 a and similar elements are represented bysimilar reference numerals. Here, however, the cover 154 b is configuredfor use with seal 200′. To that end, the cover includes an inner surface214 b without a tapered transition portion. The seal portion 218 extendsessentially to the open end 212. The single protrusion 228′ forms a sealat contact point 250.

To facilitate movement of the PSR cover 154 b to and from theattached/covered state, the PSR cover also includes vents 274 b that maybe of any suitable number, form or location. There may be four sets oftwo vents 274 b, as is described above with reference to vents 274, withthe vents being long enough to extend from about the open end 212 to theillustrated location adjacent to the contact point 250.

The exemplary PSR cover 154 a illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28 alsoincludes a protrusion 276 on the cover end walls 206 and 208. Theprotrusions 276, which help the user grip the end walls 206 and 208, mayalso be employed on the PSR covers 154 and 154 b.

Although the inventions disclosed herein have been described in terms ofthe preferred embodiments above, numerous modifications and/or additionsto the above-described preferred embodiments would be readily apparentto one skilled in the art. By way of example, but not limitation, theinventions include any combination of the elements from the variousspecies and embodiments disclosed in the specification that are notalready described. It is intended that the scope of the presentinventions extend to all such modifications and/or additions and thatthe scope of the present inventions is limited solely by the claims setforth below.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A sound processor, comprising: a dockable devicethat does not include circuitry that converts sound to pulse sequences,including at least one dockable device electrical contact; and a mainportion including a housing defining an exterior, circuitry thatconverts sound to pulse sequences, a cochlear implant headpiece portoperably connected to the circuitry, at least one main portionelectrical contact associated with the housing exterior, and a controlapparatus configured to determine when the dockable device is and is notdocked to the main portion and to supply power to the at least one mainportion electrical contact when the dockable device is docked to themain portion and to not supply power to the at least one main portionelectrical contact when the dockable device is not docked to the mainportion.
 20. A sound processor as claimed in as claimed in claim 19,wherein the control apparatus includes a sensor.
 21. A sound processoras claimed in claim 20, wherein the sensor comprises a magnetic sensor;and the dockable device includes a magnet.
 22. A sound processor asclaimed in claim 21, wherein the magnetic sensor comprises a switch thatis configured to change state when the dockable device is docked to themain portion.
 23. A sound processor as claimed in claim 20, wherein thesensor comprises a mechanical switch.
 24. A sound processor as claimedin claim 19, wherein the dockable device includes a user manipulatablecontrol device.
 25. A sound processor as claimed in claim 19, whereinthe main portion and the dockable device include respective mechanicalconnectors that secure the main portion and dockable device to oneanother.
 26. A sound processor, comprising a first dockable deviceincluding at least one dockable device electrical contact; a seconddockable device; and a main portion including a housing defining anexterior, circuitry that converts sound to pulse sequences that areconfigured to be received by a cochlear implant, at least one mainportion electrical contact associated with the housing exterior, and acontrol apparatus configured to supply power to the at least one mainportion electrical contact when the first dockable device is docked tothe main portion, to not supply power to the at least one main portionelectrical contact when the first dockable device is not docked to themain portion and to distinguish between the first and second dockabledevices.
 27. A sound processor as claimed in claim 26, wherein thecontrol apparatus includes first and second sensors.
 28. A soundprocessor as claimed in claim 27, wherein the main portion defines firstand second longitudinal ends; and the first and second sensors arerespectively associated with the first and second longitudinal ends. 29.A sound processor as claimed in claim 26, wherein at least one of thefirst and second sensors comprises a magnetic sensor.
 30. A soundprocessor as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one of the first andsecond sensors comprises a mechanical switch.
 31. A sound processor asclaimed in claim 26, wherein the first and second dockable devices areselected from the group consisting of a control device with usermanipulatable elements, a radio receiver, a WiFi receiver, a Bluetooth®receiver, and an assistive listening device.
 32. A method of controllinga sound processor including a main portion with a housing, a source ofelectrical power, a main portion electrical connector, sound processorcircuitry that converts received sound to pulse sequences that areconfigured to be received by a cochlear implant, and a dockable devicewith a dockable device electrical connector and a user-manipulatablecontrol element, the method comprising the steps of: closing a switch toconnect the main portion electrical connector to the source ofelectrical power solely in response to the dockable device being dockedto the main portion; generating the pulse sequence configured to bereceived by a cochlear implant with the sound processor circuitry withinthe main portion housing; and opening the switch to disconnect the mainportion electrical connector from the source of electrical power solelyin response to the dockable device being undocked from the main portion.33. A method as claimed in claim 32, further comprising the step of:sensing whether the dockable device is docked to the main portion or isundocked from the main portion
 34. A method as claimed in claim 32,further comprising the step of: adjusting an operational parameter ofthe sound processor in response to manipulation of the control elementon the dockable device.
 35. A method as claimed in claim 32, furthercomprising the step of: supplying the generated pulse sequence to aheadpiece port.
 36. A method as claimed in claim 32, further comprisingthe step of: supplying the generated pulse sequence directly to acochlear implant.